It's about this time every year, before I set out, that I have to silence the little voice in my head that says, "This is too big

Every week I entreat you to write and you have and you do. Sometimes you've been cross, occasionally cruel, mostly, though, you've been thoughtful and you've been kind.

The winners of the biggest Lotto prize ever in New Zealand are looking forward to a low-key Christmas.

A philosopher writing in the Herald this week, Massey Professor Bill Fish, pointed out that Santa Clause is real.

COMMENT: The days of your sweating over Christmas dinner preparation could soon be a thing of the past

New daughter has dad wrapped round her finger, say couple who started charity to help kids after losing their son.

Steve Braunias looks back on a year of thinking dangerously.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye speaks about the positives following a "gruelling few months" since her breast cancer diagnosis.

Church leaders remind us that the message of Christmas goes beyond just words.

Like many Kiwi kids, 6-year-old Arian Truter loves Christmas. But this December 25 will be extra special because it's a miracle he's here to celebrate it.

"The volunteers are just amazing people, but the ones that are really at the top are the people we visit," says an Age Concern volunteer.

Dog fanatic had to give up her job and sell her designer handbags and jewellery in order to care for her 30 pugs.

The myth surrounding Santa Claus is doing children more harm than good according to an expert.

Creamy pav and delayed health care could help explain increased heart death rate

Mexicans have delighted us with dishes like burritos, quesadillas, tacos and guacamole. But no Christmas celebration is complete without a drink called ponche con piquette.

A little boy who loves his rubbish truck driver got to give his hero an early Christmas gift.

A little girl has been reunited with her favourite teddy after she accidentally left him behind in Auckland Airport when her family moved to Germany.

Do you know someone who seems to have everything? Here are some perfect last minute ideas for an outside-the-box Christmas gift.

Jo-Anne Ireland, from Alexandra, is not keen on the small garden-dwellers - but every year she gets a present from 'Santa'.

While many around the country enjoy a day off on Christmas Day; many others are toiling to ensure those less fortunate csan enjoy the annual festivities.

WATCH: Unitec preschool kids bring donations and some much-needed cheer to the Auckland City Mission.

Father and daughter bears Sean and Sasa tucked into their usual meal at Wellington Zoo today, but with a Christmas twist. The sun

Traffic has already slowed to a crawl in parts of the country as holidaymakers head out of town for Christmas.

A man has died from a heart attack while in Christmas traffic near Wellington.

What would you do if you found $10,000 in a bag on the side of the road?

Photos of Hipster Santa are starting to pop up across the globe - here's a selection of the finest.

Have you ever dreamed of living in a scene from your favourite Christmas movie?

Fresh and delicious are the key words for Christmas fare.

Christmas Day should be fine but be ready for thunderstorms in the coming days.

Truck driver did not give up the keys easily to terror suspect who then rammed vehicle into crowded Christmas market.